Update: Therapie der chronischen herzinsuffizienz

Abstract

Heart failure represents one of the most prevalent diseases in internal medicine. Pharmacological therapy is based on the blockade of neurohumoral activity. Device therapy (CRT, ICD) is currently playing a major role in the management of chronic heart failure. Treatment options for diastolic heart failure are limited. Emerging approaches for treating chronic heart failure are currently reviewed in clinical studies. Large clinical trials with novel drugs revealed mixed results. This emphasises the difficulties to achieve additional benefit on top of currently available therapies. This paper represents an update of current concepts of management of chronic heart failure.